World Thinking Day 2026 (22 February): Date, Theme, History, Wishes & Celebrating 100 Years of “Our Friendship”

Date of World Thinking Day 2026

World Thinking Day 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 22 February 2026.

Theme of World Thinking Day 2026

The World Thinking Day 2026 theme is “Our Friendship.”

This special theme marks 100 years of World Thinking Day (1926–2026) — a century of global unity, leadership, and sisterhood. Led by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), the theme celebrates the deep bonds formed within Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting across continents.

“Our Friendship” highlights the power of connection, trust, teamwork, and cultural understanding. It encourages members to strengthen international friendships, support one another, and work together toward building a peaceful and positive global community.

History of World Thinking Day

World Thinking Day was first established in 1926 during the 4th World Conference of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts held at Camp Edith Macy in the United States. The day was chosen because 22 February marks the birthdays of:

• Lord Robert Baden-Powell – Founder of the Scouting movement
• Olave Baden-Powell – World Chief Guide

Originally called “Thinking Day,” it was renamed World Thinking Day in 1999 to emphasize its global significance.

Significance of World Thinking Day

World Thinking Day holds deep importance for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts worldwide:

• Promotes global unity and friendship
• Encourages leadership and confidence in girls
• Raises awareness about social and global issues
• Inspires young people to create positive change
• Strengthens the global sisterhood of guiding

It also serves as a fundraising day to support Guiding communities around the world.

Activities for World Thinking Day 2026

Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate:

• Cultural Exchange Activities – Learn about different countries and traditions.
• Community Service Projects – Organize clean-up drives or charity initiatives.
• Leadership Workshops – Conduct skill-building sessions for young girls.
• Discussion Circles – Talk about global issues and possible solutions.
• Fundraising Campaigns – Support international Guiding programs.
• Badge Activities – Complete World Thinking Day badge challenges.
• Global Friendship Events – Connect virtually with Girl Guides from other countries.

Why is World Thinking Day Celebrated?

World Thinking Day is celebrated to:

• Promote international friendship and understanding
• Strengthen the global sisterhood of Guiding and Scouting
• Honor the legacy of the movement’s founders
• Encourage girls to take action on global challenges
• Inspire leadership, confidence, and responsibility in young women

The day also serves as an opportunity for members worldwide to reflect on shared values and contribute to projects that support Guiding communities globally.

World Thinking Day Story

The story of World Thinking Day began in 1926, when delegates gathered at the 4th World Conference of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts at Camp Edith Macy in the United States.

The young women attending the conference wanted a special day to think of and appreciate their fellow Guides and Scouts around the world. They chose 22 February because it is the birthday of both Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouting movement, and Olave Baden-Powell, the World Chief Guide.

What started as a simple idea of global friendship grew into an international celebration observed by millions in over 150 countries. In 1999, “Thinking Day” officially became World Thinking Day, reflecting its worldwide impact.

In 2026, the celebration becomes even more meaningful as it completes 100 years - a century of empowering girls to lead, serve, and create change.

How to Celebrate World Thinking Day 2026

• Wear your Guide/Scout uniform proudly.
• Share inspiring messages on social media.
• Educate others about the importance of girls’ leadership.
• Organize a themed event at school or community centers.
• Reflect on how you can contribute to a better world.

Messages & Wishes for World Thinking Day 2026

• Happy World Thinking Day 2026! May the theme “Our Friendship” remind us that even across oceans and cultures, we are united by shared dreams and values.
• On this special 100-year milestone, let us celebrate a century of global sisterhood, leadership, and lifelong friendships.
• May our friendships continue to inspire courage, kindness, and collaboration across the world.
• Happy World Thinking Day! Together, we are stronger, wiser, and capable of building a brighter future.
• Here’s to 100 years of unity and empowerment — and to many more years of global friendship.
• May the bonds we form today create opportunities for peace and understanding tomorrow.
• On this historic celebration, let us honor the friendships that make the Guiding movement so powerful.
• Thinking of every Guide and Scout around the world — may our connection always remain strong.
• Let “Our Friendship” be the foundation for a more inclusive and compassionate world.
• Celebrating the power of unity that has connected generations of girls for 100 years.
• May this World Thinking Day inspire you to build bridges, not walls.
• From local communities to global stages, our friendship shapes the future.
• Let us cherish the diversity that makes our sisterhood so unique and beautiful.
• Today we celebrate not only history but the friendships that will shape the next century.
• May every girl feel supported, valued, and connected on this meaningful day.
• Together in spirit, together in purpose — Happy World Thinking Day!
• May our shared commitment to kindness strengthen the world around us.
• Friendship is our greatest strength — let’s use it to make a difference.
• On this centennial celebration, may our unity shine brighter than ever.
• Happy 100 years of World Thinking Day — a celebration of connection, compassion, and community.

Inspiring Quotes for World Thinking Day 2026

• “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

• “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

• “Leadership is about making others better.”

• “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.”

• “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

• “Do one thing every day that scares you.”

• “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

• “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”

• “You are never too small to make a difference.”

• “Courage is grace under pressure.”

Social Media Captions for World Thinking Day 2026

• Thinking beyond borders, leading beyond limits. #WorldThinkingDay2026
• Celebrating global sisterhood on 22 February!
• Today we think. Tomorrow we lead.
• Empowering girls to change the world.
• Strong minds. Brave hearts. Global impact.
• 100 years. One sisterhood. Endless friendships. #WorldThinkingDay2026
• “Our Friendship” — Celebrating a century of global unity.
• Across borders, beyond languages — we stand together.
• Building a positive global community through friendship.
• A century of thinking, leading, and growing together.

Poster Ideas for World Thinking Day 2026

• Globe surrounded by diverse girls holding hands
• Purple-themed poster symbolizing leadership and unity
• A light bulb shaped like the world map
• Silhouettes of girls with empowering quotes
• A tree of leadership with girls’ names as leaves
• A globe shaped like a heart with girls holding hands around it.
• “Our Friendship – 100 Years” written inside a friendship bracelet design.
• A timeline poster showing milestones from 1926 to 2026.
• Diverse girls forming the number “100” symbolizing unity.
• A world map filled with friendship messages from different countries.

World Thinking Day 2026 Drawing Ideas

If students are asked to create a drawing for World Thinking Day 2026, they can include:

• Girls from different countries in traditional attire holding hands.
• The number “100” decorated with flags from around the world.
• A handshake transforming into a globe.
• A large heart connecting continents with friendship lines.
• A tree of unity with branches labeled “Respect,” “Kindness,” “Leadership,” and “Friendship.”

These drawings can beautifully represent the theme “Our Friendship” and the centennial celebration.

Conclusion

World Thinking Day 2026 is more than just a commemorative day — it is a celebration of global unity, leadership, and empowerment. It reminds us that when young girls think critically, act courageously, and work together, they can create lasting change across communities and nations.

On 22 February 2026, let’s reflect, connect, and take action toward building a more inclusive and empowered world.